Eleusine coracana, commonly known as finger millet and regionally referred to as ragi in India and kodo in Nepal, is an annual herbaceous plant. It is primarily cultivated as a cereal crop in the arid and semi-arid regions of Central and East Africa, as well as in Asia. This crop is notable for its resilience, as it can grow at altitudes over 2000 meters above sea level, has a high drought tolerance, and the grains can be stored for extended periods without spoilage. Finger millet has a robust root system and produces slender, erect, tillering stems with narrow, green leaves. The inflorescences are finger-like spikes, giving the plant its common name. The grains are small and round, typically a reddish-brown color.

Finger millet is valued for its nutritional content, particularly its high calcium and iron levels, making it an important food source in regions where it is grown. It is processed into flour and used to make various traditional dishes such as cakes, puddings, and porridge. In cultivation, finger millet thrives in full sun and is adaptable to a range of soil drainage conditions, from slow to fast. It requires medium amounts of water, making it suitable for regions with limited rainfall. While it is primarily grown for food, finger millet’s rapid growth and ability to cover the ground quickly also make it useful for controlling erosion.CC BY-SA 4.0